Lorene Street bungalow could be your home

Level lot, lovely location & three bedrooms

By Mark Schadenberg

Sometimes you find a bungalow with a large lot, but . . .

The brick bungalow you’re searching for has a large lot and best of all, it’s situated on a quiet street and the lot is level – no ups and downs – no inclines or drop-offs.

So, where is this 3-bedroom bungalow you’ve been hunting high and low for?

931 Lorene Street, Woodstock

MLS: 72410

Asking: $198,500

Lorene is a charming quiet cul-de-sac location near Brompton Park and also a short walk to Sobeys Plaza, which also includes a Scotiabank, Subway, a takeout pizza place named Tony’s but owned by a guy named Marc, along with a Rexall drug store and a pet store. Brompton is considered a terrific treed park – ideal for walking your dog or perhaps enjoying a game of tennis (two courts).

This 3-bedroom brick bungalow also offers a close vicinity to Huron Park secondary school, Roch Carrier French immersion, Winchester Street public school, and St. Michael’s elementary.

A favourite description I use for this bungalow is that it’s open in its living area -- the eat-in kitchen (with its newer style cabinets) is open to the front living room. The appliances could all stay. The living room (with an attractive electric fireplace) and all three bedrooms feature hardwood under the carpeting.

The over-sized family recroom runs almost the full width of the lower level. The laundry room has lots of elbow room to fold bed sheets.

The high efficiency gas furnace is just one year old, plus there is central air.

More Updates

Newer windows, updated soffit and fascia, and breaker panel box too.

With its 55 x 152 level lot there is an abundance of space to build a future garage or simply enjoy gardening in the large yard.

Bungalows in this location usually sell quickly.

Call me today so you can see it soon !

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

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Terrific condo available now near Southside Park

Nova Scotia right here in Woodstock

507 Nova Scotia Court

Woodstock

MLS: 72416

Asking: $244,500

Listed By: Mark Schadenberg

A condominium is a choice for both lifestyle and location.

A one-floor plan townhouse condominium (with a basement too) featuring a 2-car garage certainly provides for anyone seeking convenience and lifestyle, but the location of your relocation is also paramount.

This end unit with 3 (2+1) bedrooms in Cabot Lane (Off Finkle Street between Parkinson and Pember’s) also completes the neighbourhood aspect as its found near Southside Park (pool, lawn bowling, seniors centre, etc), the community complex arenas, hospital (brand new in November of 2011), Cedar Creek golf course, plus box mall shopping and restaurants. The city development office refers to it as the regional commercial node, but with Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Staples and a couple dozen more stores there is lots of reasons to shop on Norwich Avenue.

Modern Move-In Decor

From the entrance of 507 Nova Scotia, what is apparent quickly is the modern move-in decor including hardwood floors.

As it’s an end unit, there is a window in the dining room, which may seem like a small point but otherwise the only window in the living-dining room combo would be at the front.

You will also enjoy the eat-in kitchen with its peninsula countertop and spacious dinette. Garden doors out to a private back deck.

The spacious master bedroom with a 4pc ensuite and walk-in closet is also a selling point as is the main-floor laundry. The main floor includes another full 4pc bathroom.

The owners are willing to sell with all appliances included.

The expansive lower family room with a gas fireplace is great for holidays and family visits, as it the third bedroom. The unit also has ample storage for holiday visits as you need a place to store the photo albums when your granddaughter visits with her boyfriend.

I think the 2-car garage aspect is very important as almost all empty-nester couples own two cars.

Z-Group Project

Cabot Lane was built by Z-Group, which is based in London and has built several condo projects there. By the way, I'm a Realtor that firmly believes the builder's name should be part of a listing when a home is less than 15 years old.

See it soon!

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

www.markroyallepage.blogspot.com

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

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Tours now available at new Cedarview Retirement home

Hawthorn home in Woodstock designed for active seniors

By Mark Schadenberg

Even before all the exterior walls were up, I was writing about a brand new unique retirement home soon to arrive in Woodstock, which would be based on many other ‘Gracious Retirement Living’ homes, including one in nearby Cambridge. 

The corporate name is Hawthorn Retirement Group (www.seniorlivinginstyle.com) and locations already exist in Canada (Cambridge, Cobourg and Guelph in Ontario) and throughout the U.S.

Now – October of 2013 – Craig and Elaina Wonnell are now on site and offering tours of the yet-to-be-completed high-end retirement home. Call them soon if you would like to be one of the original residents as many suites have already been booked. Call Craig or Elaina now at (519) 602-0282.

There are 124 units in total.

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) – a designation earned through taking courses and passing subsequent tests offered by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) – I feel it’s important to publicize all retirement homes locally – new or old or those with new additions.

Some facilities have a focus on daily care for resident clients, while others like Oxford Gardens on Devonshire Avenue, Park Place on Graham Street, and the new Cedarview at 511 Finkle Street are designed to accommodate seniors with an active lifestyle, who do not require assistive living. In other words, if you are independent (and do not require a daily nurse’s visit to assist in medication, etc), Cedarview is a very attractive destination.

Elevators & Activities

There is a management team on-site (24 hours a day) and many services are offered: three meals per day, all-day coffee and snacks available, laundry for linens (etc), countless activities and day trips, local transportation, safety security system, two elevators, exercise room, a theatre, monthly newsletters, and many other entertainment features.

Prices vary on many factors. You could call it rent, but it’s an inclusive monthly fee. The rates differ based on square footage of your studio or apartment. I’m not a salesperson for Cedarview, but monthly rates begin at $2195 for a spacious studio apartment and range up to $3995 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

Accepting Deposits Now

Cedarview are now accepting $100 deposits for you to reserve your specific unit. This amount is completely refundable, according to their brochure, if you decide not to locate there.

Each apartment itself includes a kitchenette with a fridge, spacious closets, a large bathroom, an emergency system, and a climate-control feature.

As one Hawthorn flyer says: "Woodstock's newest and best option for independent retirement living is coming soon !."

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com         Twitter: markroyallepage

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Execulink Telecom opens its brand new Woodstock location

Grand Opening for Ridgeway Road location is slated for Oct. 19

By Mark Schadenberg

Execulink Telecom has always had a strong presence and roots in Woodstock and Oxford County, but now that presence is larger and more visible.

Execulink has opened its doors to its brand new facility in Pattullo Ridge commercial subdivision on the south side of the 401, making it very easy to see from the 6-lane freeway skirting past Woodstock.

It’s also very easy to see why Execulink decided to place its focus on Woodstock and build a brand new technology centre in the centre of southwestern Ontario.

The headquarters and data centre for Execulink is open at 1127 Ridgeway Road.

CEO of Execulink, Ian Stevens expressed in a press clipping for The City of Woodstock economic development website; "With a long history in Oxford County, Woodstock is an ideal location in relation to our customer base. The consolidation and the growth of our new facilities will enhance our internal efficiencies and better support our customers".

Not only are the new offices up and running, they will be running a grand opening on Saturday, Oct 19 (look at the attached poster.) to show off their 20,000 sq ft structure which has permitted the company to reel all its employees (about 120) from Burgessville, London and Kitchener into one location.

“It goes without saying it creates more efficiencies not having people all over the place and it promotes teamwork. We need people to work together to effectively serve our customers,” Stevens said in a Woodstock Sentinel-Review story (See below link).

Execulink description:

About Execulink

In operation since 1904, Execulink Telecom has evolved from a small independent local telephone company into one of the leading telecommunications providers in Ontario. Through innovation and forward-thinking, we cultivated our local telephony offerings to provide a full-scale suite of telecommunications services including data, internet, cable television, and advanced voice features. These services are now available to all levels of industry, encompassing 50,000 business, enterprise, government, and residential customers.

Woodstock economic development office:

www.cometothecrossroads.com

Len Magyar 

City Hall

500 Dundas Street

(519) 539-1291 

http://cometothecrossroads.com/index.php/news-mobile/165-execulink-announcement.html

http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2013/10/08/execulink-opens-doors-to-new-head-office-in-woodstock

Now that you have decided to be employed in Woodstock, call me: 

Mark Schadenberg

Sales Representative

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

www.markroyallepage.blogspot.com

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

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Versailles inspired residence in Vaughan on the market

Toronto area listing has $17.8 million asking tag

By Mark Schadenberg

By counting a bunch of red dots on an internet map, I totalled 47.

If you go to www.realtor.ca and type in Toronto, there are currently 47 properties listed above $5,000,000.

Obviously, there are few buyers for these homes and some may be on the market for quite some time, so a Realtor advertising (listing) one of these places needs patience, persistence and ingenuity. Why not have the Toronto Star newspaper write a feature story, especially if the asking price tops $15,000,000?

Check out some possibilities, if these homes are in your price range?

On Yorkville Ave on the 54^th floor there is a 2-bed condo for a mere (MLS: C2680997) $12,500,000. With floor to ceiling glass, you do receive that million-dollar view you have always wanted. The condominium skyscraper does include an indoor pool and fitness centre, but it should as the month condo (maintenance) fee is only $3,700. The listing notes it is: “The Epitome Of Gracious And Elegant Living.”

The home I’m most curious about though is the one promoted in The Toronto Star.

Feel free to look up N2634149 on MLS. Found in the Kleinburg / Vaughan area on the north edges of Toronto (west side of the 400 highway) is a 6-bedroom 2-storey with 12 bathrooms and it’s on a modest lot (Considering square footage of the home at 9,340) of 128 x 413 feet. The remarks begin with: “Welcome to Versailles.” Hand-painted ceilings create a “work of art.”

I would continue to borrow comments from the listing, but you get the idea. (Pictures are from realtor.ca and many more are also posted there.)

Woodstock and Oxford County

When you are ready to house hunt in Woodstock, give me a call. I’m a full-time Realtor with 14 years experience ready to help you find your castle.

Mark Schadenberg

Sales Representative

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com              Twitter: markroyallepage

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National Post piece ponders selling tips

Top Five list of house sellers to remember

By Mark Schadenberg

An organized house and an organized seller should realize in the sale of your property. Or not ?

However, the most important part about selling your house is to have the right asking price.

Locally, prices leaped by at least 15% in 2005 when it was announced a Toyota manufacturing facility was to be built here. Now – eight short years later – there are about 2,500 (or more) employees at TMMC in Woodstock.

The statistical info on home sales also indicated a more modest increase in sale values in 2008. I would say there’s an increase again in 2013 as inventory (number of listings) is low and sales totals are much higher than 2012 (*; 1016 first nine months of 2013 versus 861 in 2012).

I still believe the main increase in prices in new homes since 2008 is also due to supply and demand as the price of building lots has increased as the City had an agreement with Toyota to draw a 1-kilometre territory or circumference around the plant down Devonshire Avenue to literally put up a road block to neighbourhoods or subdivisions inside this perimeter. Simply put, if you want to live relatively near Toyota for work, the lot prices have moved upward.

Meanwhile, lot sizes have decreased in frontage from an average of 50 feet to about 40 (or less) in recent times.

Provincial guidelines require municipalities to intensify its development – more people per square foot. In larger centres, that translates into building up and not out.

Back To Buying Today

With microscopic interest rates likely continuing for at least three years now is the time to up-size. If you bought in 2004 in Woodstock, for example, your equity alone would allow you to purchase a much larger home and avoid the high-ratio mortgage fees (CMHC) insurance. Don’t quote me on this because if you bought a $400,000 home, you would need over $100,000 down and a sparkling work and credit report to avoid CMHC.

For more info, read The National Post story about getting your house ready for sale, and then call me.

*WIDREB (Woodstock-Ingersoll District Real Estate Board) stats

THE LINK:

http://life.nationalpost.com/2013/10/01/stressless-selling-five-tips-to-prepare-your-house-and-yourself-for-listing/

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

www.markroyallepage.blogspot.com

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

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Bower Hill listing (Open House) fits the bill

Bungalow discovered at edge of Woodstock

By Mark Schadenberg

Another real estate Catch-22 ?

If a listing belongs to the office and its broker (technically), why can’t any of the (independent contractor) sales reps advertise that listing?

At the end of the day, the office wants the listing sold and publicized.

At this moment, I’m promoting 204 Bower Hill Road in Woodstock (MLS: 72131), not because it’s my listing, but because I’m doing an open house there on Sunday, 2-4.

204 Bower Hill Rd, Woodstock

Asking: $229,900

MLS: 72131

Listing Reps: Bob & Kathy Pozza (519-536-1677)

Working as a full-time Realtor for more than 14 years, one statement I often hear is that a family wants to live near the city, but not in the city. A home owner wants more space and privacy, a large garage, a modern house, access to natural gas for heat and a fireplace, and overall room to roam. Having listed those amenities, the next item on the list of criteria is to be near schools and hockey arenas.

Bower Hill Road offers all this and more.

Located on the edge of Woodstock, this brick bungalow is a very short drive to Southside or St. Patrick’s schools, Southside Park (pool, skateboarding and lawn bowling), the community complex (two arenas, gymnastics, ball diamonds, community hall), Fanshawe College, Cedar Creek golf course, and the new (opened in November of 2011) city hospital.

The 401-403 corridor is also nearby down Mill Street.

Shopping & Eating

Just a few more blocks away is the box mall (City Hall calls it the regional commercial node) with Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Mark’s Work Warehouse, Staples, The Source, Reitmans, Sport Chek, (etc) and 18 restaurants.

With a 1.5-car garage and large storage shed, and a lot 60’ x 235’, 204 Bower Hill also offers the space for home base you desire. The tall trees deliver privacy and shade.

The house is modern. Built around 1960, the updates are numerous, including updated oak kitchen (see picture) and newer windows.

Three bedroom on the main floor, hardwood flooring, central air, and a lower recroom with a gas fireplace round out two more check marks for your wish list.

My tale would include a full description and dozens of photos (there is a virtual tour online at www.realtor.ca), but I want to see you on Sunday.

If you’re looking now – look at 204 Bower Hill this Sunday as occupancy for November 1 can be arranged.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday !   

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination